Apparatus for rectifying electric current



Jan. 25, 1944. I H MQRRIS 2,339,794

APPARATUS FOR RECTIFYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS Filed Dec. 30, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet l llh" a an;

4-101mm: I. Mann/s 511.0. @00664/ M ATTORNEY- Jan. 25, 1944. H. l. MORRIS 2,339,794

APPARATUS FOR RECTIFYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS Filed Dec. 30, 1940 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN\IIENTOR HOWARD f. Mann/s BY {7 nmitw ATTORN EY Jan. 25, 1944. H. I. MORRIS 2,339,794

APPARATUS FOR RECTIFYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS Filed Dec. 30, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 lNVENTOR HOWARD I. Monn/ BY 9140mm ATTORNEY 1944- H. l. MORRIS 2,339,794

APPARATUS FOR RECTIFYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS Filed Dec. 30, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEY Jan. 25, 1944.- H; l. MORRIS 2,339,794 APPARATUS FOR RECTIFYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS I Filed Dec. 30, 1940 '7 Sheets-Sheet s 16 12 1612" 1a 15 1 3* 15 1 C 15 J 13 s 13: 1g 11 x 1 1 1 25: 13 25; 25; :15 b" 14? 136 If '26 26"?! INVENTOR lffownno I Mann/s ATTORNEY Jan. 25, 1944. H. 1. MORRIS 2,

APPARATUS FOR REGTIFYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS Filed Dec. 30, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Heel Hawnno 1. Make/s ATTORNEY Jan. 25, 1944.- MORRIS 2,339,794

APPARATUS FOR RECTIFYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS Filed Dec. 30, 1940 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 32 H 34 INVENTOR 6 mm ATTORNEY HOWARD I Mann/s Patented Jan. 25', 1944 'APPARATUS FOR RECTIFYING ELECTRIC CURRENT Howard I. Morris, Lakewood, Ohio, assignor of one-third to Carl M. Yoder and one-third to Harvey 0. Yoder, both of Lakewood, Ohio Application December 30, 1940, Serial No. 372,253

8 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for and process of rectifying alternating current by mechanical means into direct current. In all apparatus for rectifying alternating current, of which I have knowledge, it has been found necessary to use specially constructed transformers and/or various other complicated equipment, whereas in my invention devices and equipment of this character are entirely eliminated, whereby simplicity in construction and economy-in cost and up-keep results.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus of this character that is relatively simple in construction and the parts of which are readily assembled and adjusted for cooperation to insure efllcient operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus of this character which may be adapted to rectifying alternating current of different phases into direct current.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved mechanism constructed and arranged to increase or decrease the frequency of alternating current flowing from a power supply.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved mechanism for rectifying alternating current into directcurrent, said mechanism being constructed to provide an unbroken direct current.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus wherein means are provided for rectifying the supplied alternating current intodirect current and then changing the direct. current to alternating current having any desired predetermined frequency.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved process of rectifying alternating current having any predetermined phase into direct current.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section onthe line 3-3 01' Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a section'on the line l4 of Figs. 2 and 3: this view being enlarged as compared to Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a section on the line 1-1 of Figs. 2 I and 3.

Figs. 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 2o, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 are semi-diagrammatic or developed views of the commutator members and associated parts showing the commutator members in their respective positions through one complete cycle.

Figs. 9, 11, 13, 15, 1'7, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31, are graphs of the alternating current corresponding to Figs. 8, 10; 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 23 and 30, respectively, the angle of one phase in each position of the adjacent commutator member being indicated by a dotted line.

Fig. 32 is a fragmentary section on the line 32-32 of Fig. 33.

Fig. 33 is a fragmentary section on the line 33 of Figs. 2 and 32.

Fig. 34 is a section on the line 34-3l of Fig. 35. Fig. 35 is a section on the line 35-35 of Figs. 2 and 34.

Figs. 36 and 37 are diagrammatic views illustrating the positions of the collector members in changing the direct current to alternating current.

In the apparatus herein disclosed, for the purpose of illustrating one embodiment of the invention, I provide an arrangement wherein a three phase alternating current is rectified into direct current, but it will be understood that by changing the number. of commutators and/or the relationship of the segments thereon, an alternating current of different phase may be rectitied into direct current.

In the drawings, I indicates a base or support for a plurality of spaced standards 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e, each provided at their upper ends with alined tubular members 2', the inner walls of which form bearings for a shaft 3; however, I may provide in the members 2' suitable anti-friction bearings for the shaft 3. One end of the shaft 3 is suitably connected to and driven by the shaft 4 of a synchronous motor 5 suitably supported on the base I. 8. I, 8, indicate the leads of a three-phase alternating current, which is to be rectified as hereinafter set forth, the current being supplied from any desired source.

9 indicates sleeves keyedto the shaft 3 (see Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6 and '7), one thereof disposed between each of the tubular members! and the adjacent tubular member 2' for the standards 2, 2a, 2b and 20, each sleeve 9 preferably being Fig. '5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figs. 2

and 3.

Fig. 6 is a section on the line s-'s of Fig. 7'.

of a, length to fit between and abut against the opposed faces of the adjacent tubular members 2', whereby the latter prevent endwise movement of the sleeve on the shaft 3. The opposite end portions oi each sleeve is externally threaded to receive nuts Ill between which is secured a, commutator member ll, whereby the latter is rotated with the shaft 3. 'llhe sleeves i) and nuts Ill are formed of suitable insulation material.

In the arrangement above described, it will be understood that I provide three commutator members, designated Ii, Ila, lib (for purse of later identification), due to the fact that the alternating current supplied by the leads 8, i, b, is of 'the three-phase type.

As the commutator members ii and parts associated therewith, respectively, are similar in construction, one assembly thereof only is illustreated-namely, the one designated ill (see Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6 and i)and needs to bedescribed ior a complete understanding of the invention.

The commutator member ii comprises a ring i 2 to which are integrally connected diametri cally related segments it, the latter being separated by sections of suitable insulation It, the outer ends of the segments l3 and adjacent ends of the insulation sections l6 being enlarged ior engagement by brushes ill to which reference will later be made. The sections of insulation H are secured to the adjacent sleeve 9 by screws Ila. l6, I6, indicate a pair of brushes in oilametrical relation and engaging the ring I2, the brushes which engage ring I2 of commutator ll being connected by lead I241 to main 6, the brushes I 8 which engage ring I2 oi commutator member Ila being connected by lead I2b to main 1 and the brushes is which engage ring I2 of commutator member lib being connected by lead I20 to main 8. Each brush I8 is slittably mounted in a guide member l1 mounted on a pin l8, which is supported by an arm W, the latter being integrally connected to a collar 2B seated in an annular recess 2 formed in the end of the adjacent tubular member 2' (see Fig. 3). Each brush it is pressed inwardly to ward the ring l2 by a pring operated arm Ma. The collar 20 is preferably secured to the adjacent tubular member 2 by a set screw 20a.

I provide iour brushes I5 in uniformly spaced relation about the commutator member II, each brush being mounted similarly to the brushes I 5 on an arm 22 which is formed integrally with a collar 23, the latter being seated in an annular recess 24 formed in the end portion of the adjacent tubular member 2' and fixed thereto by a suitable set screw (not shown).

For identification purposes, the ring of. commutator member H is designated I2, the segments thereof are designated I3, I311 and the adjacent insulation sections are designated I3. 13a; the ring of commutator member Ila is designated I la, the segments thereof are designated lib, Nb, and the adjacent insulation sections are designated I3b", I3b'; and the ring of commutator member I lb is designated I2b, the segments-thereof are designated I30, I30 and the adjacent insulation sections are designated I3c", I3c; also, the brushes for the commutator member II are designated I5, I511, I51), I50; the brushes for commutator member Ila are designated I5, l5a', lib, I50; and the brushes for commutator member III) are designated II". I512", lib", l5c".

As hown in Figs. 8. 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22,

'24, 26, 28 and 30, (1) brushes I5, I50. are connected by leads 25, 25', to out-put direct current main 26one side of the circuit, whereas brushes I 51), I So. are connected by leads 25a, 25a to output direct current main Nix-the other side oi the circuits; (2) brushes I 6', i511, are connected by leads 25b, 25b, to main 26, whereas brushes iiib, lllc, are connected by leads 25c, 25c, to main 28a; and (3) brushes I5", We", are connected by leads i511, 25d, to main 26, whereas the brushes lllb", I50 are connected by leads 25c, 25c, to the main 2612.

Fig. 8 shows the position of the commutator members ll, lla, lib, represented by the phase angle A of the current in lead b (Fig. 9). In this View, (1) as indicated by the arrows a, a, current from direct current main 25 is flowing through leads 25, 25', brushes I5, Ibo, segments ll lilo, ring it, brushes I5 to lead 6; whereas since brushes Mb, 850 are engaging the insulation sections it, Ila the circuit in direct current main 26a, indicated by arrows a through commutator member ii is open; (2) since the phase angle is zero for the current in lead i, the brushes iii, a, ltb', l5c', are engaging with the insulation sections i312, I3b', and therefore no current is flowing through commutator member He in either direction; (3) and as indicated by the arrows a a the current in lead it is flowing through brushes l6, ring 62?), segments i550, lilo, brushes I52)", I50", leads 25c, 25c, and direct current main 2611, whereas since brushes I5", Ma, are engaging the insulation sections I30", i3c', the current from the negative side of the direct current main 26 is open through commutator member lIb.

Fig. 10 shows the position of the commutator members i I, Ila, 'lIb, represented by the phase angle B of the current in lead 8 (Fig. 11), the voltage decreasing in lead Ii and increasing in lead i. In this view, 1) as indicated by the arrows a, a, a portion of the current in direct current main 26 is flowing through leads 25, 25', brushes l5, I511, segments I3, I3a, ring l2, brushes is to lead 6 (the positive side of the direct current through main 26a being open as brushes I51), We are engaging the insulation sections i3, i301) (2) as indicated by the arrows a, b, a portion of the current in direct current main 28 is flowing through leads 25b, 25b, brushes I5, I5o. segments I3b, i3b', ring I2a, brushes I6 and lead l (the circuit 01' the direct current main 26a through commutator member II a being op n as brushes I5b', Ilic', are engaging the insulation sections Ilb", I3b') and (3) as indicated by the arrows a a through brushes I8, ring l2b, segments I3c, I3c', brushes I51)", Iic", leads 25c, 256' to main 26a.

Fig. 12 shows the position of the commutator members H, Ila, IIb, represented by the phase angle C (zero phase angle) of the current in lead 6 (Fig. 13). In this view, (1) the circuit in both direct current mains 26, 26a, is open through commutator member I I, since the brushes I5, I5a, I5b, I50, are engaging the insulation sections and therefore no current is flowing in either direction through commutator member II; (2) as indicated by the arrows a, b, current is flowing through the direct current main 26a, leads 25b, 25b, brushes I5, I5a', segments I3b, I3b'. ring I2a to lead I, whereas the circuitin the main 26 through commutator member Ila is open since brushes I5b', lie, are engaging the insulation sections I317", I3b'; and (3) as indicated by the arrows a", a current is flowing from lead 8. through brushes I6, segments I30, I30, brushes I5b", Iic", leads 25c, 25c, to direct current main 25a, the circuit in direct current main 26 through commutator member Ilb being open since current in lead 8 is flowing Jrushes I", I511", are engaging the insulation sections I30", llc'".

Fig. 14 shows the position of the commutator members II, Ila, llb, represented by the phase angle D of the current in lead 6 (Fig. In this view, (1) as indicated by the arrows a, a, a portion of the current is flowing from lead 6 through brushes l6, ring I2, segments I3, l3a, brushes I51), I50, leads 2511, main 26a, whereas the circuit in direct current main 26 is open through commutator member ll since the brushes l5, l5a, are engaging the insulation sections l3, I3a'; (2) as indicated by the arrows a, b, current from direct current main 26 is flowing through leads b, 25b, brushes l5,

I5a', segments l3b, l3b', ring I2a and brushes l6 to lead I, the circuit in direct current main 26a through commutator member Ila being open since the brushes l5b', I50, are engaging the' insulation sections I 3b", l3b'; and (3) as indicated by the arrows a a a portion of the current is flowing from lead 8 through brushes l6, ring l2b, segments I3c, I, brushes I5b", I50", leads 25c, 25a to direct current main 26a, the circuit from direct current main 26 through commutator member llb being open since brushes l5", I5a", are engaging the insulation sections I30", l3c'.

Fig. 16 shows the position of the commutator members II, Ila, llb,- represented by the phase angle E of the current in the lead 6 (Fig. 17). In this view, 1) as indicated by the arrows a, a current is flowing from lead 6 through brushes I6, ring I2, segments I3, I3a, brushes I5b, I5c,

as the circuit in direct current main 26 through commutator member II is open since brushes l5. l5a, are engaging the insulation sections l3, l3a'; 2) as indicated by the arrows a, b, current from the direct current main 26 is flowing through leads 25b, 25b, brushes l5, l5a', segments I3b, l3b, ring I21; and brushes l6 to lead I, the circuit from direct current main 26a through commutator member lIa being open since brushes I5b, I5c, are engaging the insulation sections l3b", l3b'"; and (3) since the phase of the current in lead 8 is at zero angle, the brushes l5, l5a", lib", I50", are engaging the insulation sections of commutator llb and therefore no current is flowing in either direction therethrough.

Fig. 18 shows the position of the commutator members II, I la, I lb, as represented by the phase angle F of current in lead 6 (Fig. 19). In this view, 1) as shown by the arrows. a, a current is flowing from lead 6 through brushes l6, ring l2, segments I3, Ila, brushes, I5b, I50, leads 25a, 25a, to direct current main 26a, the circuit in direct current main 26 through commutator ll being open since the brushes l5, I5a, are engaging insulation sections I3, l3a'; (2) as indicated by the arrows, a, b, a portion of the current in direct current main 26 is flowing through leads 25b, 25b, brushes l5, Ila, segments l3b, lib, ring l2a, brushes l6 to lead I, the circuit in direct current main 26a through commutator member Ila being open since brushes lib, I50, are engaging the insulation sections lib", llb'; and (3) as indicated by the arrows a, a a portion of the current in direct current main 2. is flowing through leads 25d, 25d, brushes I5", I5a", segments llc, I30, ring l2b, brushes l6 to lead 6. the circuit in direct current main 26a through 25a to direct currentleads 25a, 25a, to direct current main 26a, where- I commutator member I lb being open since brushes.

I51)", I50", are engaging the insulation sections I30", I3c".

Fig. 20 shows the position of the commutator members ll, Ila, llb, represented by the phase angle G of the current in lead 6 (Fig. 21). 'In

this view, (1) as indicated by the arrows a, a

v current is flowing from lead 6 through brushes I6, ring I2, segments I3, I3a, brushes I51), I50, leads 25a, 25a, to direct current main 26a, the circuit in direct current main 26 through commutator member I I being open since the brushes l5, I5a, are engaging the insulation sections l3, I3a'; (2) as the current in lead I is at zero angle phase, the brushes l5, l5a', l5b', I50, for commutator member Ila are engaging the insulation sections l3b", I3b, no current is flowing in either direction therethrough; and (3) as indicated by the arrows a, a current is flowing from direct current main 26 through leads 25d, 25d, brushes l5, l5a", segments I30, I30, ring I2b, brushes I6 to lead 8, the circuit in direct current main 26a through commutator member llb being open since brushes I5b, I50", are engaging the insulation sections I30", l3c'.

Fig. 22 shows the position of the commutator members ll, Ila, llb, represented by the phase angle H of the current in lead 6 (Fig. 23). In this view, 1) as indicated by the arrows a, M, a portion of the current is flowing from lead 6 through brushes I6, ring l2, segments l3, l3a, brushes l5b, I50, leads 25a, 25a, to direct current main 26a, the circuit in direct current main 26 through the commutator member ll being open since the brushes I5, I5a, are engaging the insulation sections l3, I3a'; (2) as indicated by the arrows b, a, a portion of the current is flowing from lead I through brushes l6, ring l2a, segments l3b, I3b, brushes I5b', I50", leads 25c, 250', to direct current main 26a, the circuit in direct current main 26' through commutator member Ila being open since the brushes I5,

, l5a', are engaging the insulation sections I31)",

I3b'"; and (3) as indicated by the arrows a, a current is flowing from direct current main 26 through leads 25d, 25d, brushes l5", l5a", segments I30, I30, ring I2b and brushes I6 to lead 8, the circuit in direct current main 2611 through commutator member I lb being open since brushes l5b, I5c are engaging the insulation sections I30", I30'".

Fig. 24 shows the position of the commutator members ll, Ila, llb, represented by the phase angle I (zero phase angle) of the current in lead 6 (Fig. 25). In this view, (l) the brushes I5, l5a, I51), I50, are engaging the insulation sections l3, I3a' so that no current is flowing through commutator member II in either direction; (2) as indicated by the arrows a b, current is flowing from lead I, through brushes I6, ring I2a, segments I31), I31), brushes I5b', I5c','leads25c, 250, to direct current main 26a. the circuit in direct current main 26 through commutator Ila being open since brushes l5,

I5a', are engaging the insulation sections l3b",-

l3b'; and (3) as indicated by the arrows a, a', current is flowing from direct current main 26 through leads 25d, 25d, brushes I5". I5a", segments I30, I30, ring I2b and brushes I6 to lead 8, the circuit in direct current main 26a through commutator member llb being open since brushes I5b", I", are engaging the insulation sections I30", llc'.

Fig. 26 shows the position of the commutator members II, Ila, llb, represented by the phase angle J of the current in lead 6 (Fig. 2'7). In this view, (1) as indicated by the arrows a, a, 9. portion of the current in direct current main 2B is flowing through leads 25, 25', brushes i5, 65a, segments 43, Ba, ring [2 and brushes is to lead 5, the circuit in direct current main 26a through commutator member H being open since brushes lfib, We, are engaging the insulation sections i551, i311; (2) as indicated by the arrows b, a the current is flowing from lead I through brushes l5, ring iZa, segments i322, lib, brushes l5b', We, and leads c, 250, to direct current main 28a, the circuit in direct current main 26 through commutator Ma being open since brushes it, 3 5a, are engaging the insulation sections i327", l3b; and (3) as indicated by the arrows a, a a portion of the current in direct current main 26 is flowing through leads 2502, 2503, brushes it", ifia", segments E30, M0, ring i217 and brushes to lead 3, the circuit in direct current main 26a through commutator member lib being open since brushes I51), i5c, are engaging the insulation sections i3c, lfic".

Fig. 28 shows the position of the commutator members ll, ila, ilb, represented by the phase angle K of current in lead t (Fig. 29) In this view, (1) as indicated by the arrows a, a, current is flowing from the direct current main 26 through leads 25, 25, brushes I5, i511, segments i3, liia, ring I2 and brushes it to lead 6, the circuit in direct current main 26a through commutator member l i being open since the brushes i517, l 5c, are engaging the insulation sections iii, 53a; *2) as indicated by the arrows b, a, current is flowing from lead '1! through brushes 56, ring i241, segments i312, 53b, brushes lfib, B, and leads 25c, 250, to the direct current main 26a, the circuit in direct current main 25 through cominutator member Ha being open since the brushes it, its, are engaging the insulation sections 6%", lilb; and (3) as of lead 6 is zero, the brushes i5", ibb", lfic", are engaging the insulation sections tic", i 30", and therefore no current is flowing through the commutator member lib in either direction.

Fig. 30 shows the position of the commutator members M, Ma, lib, represented by the phase angle L in the current of the lead 5 (Fig. 31).

In this view, (1) as indicated by the arrows at, a, current is flowing from the direct current main 26 through leads 25, 25', brushes iii, 6 5a, segments 33, 53a, ring l2 and brushes iii to lead ii, the circult in direct current main 23a through commutater member ii being open since the brushes itb, 550. are engaging the insulation sections 53', He; (2) as indicated by the arrows b, a a portion of the current is flowing from lead 'l through brushes it, ring Era, segments lilo, i312, brushes i512, i5c', and leads 25c, 250', to direct current main 26a, the circuit in direct current main 2&3 through the commutator member i ta being open since brushes 55', 55a, are engaging the insulation sections 23b", l3b"'; and (3) as indicated by the arrows e e a portion of the current is flowing from lead 8 through brushes 56, ring 22222, segments its, i3c', brushes 3%, its", and leads 25c, 252, to direct current main 2611, the circuit in direct current main 26 through commutator member lib being open since brushes iii", the", are engaging the insulation sections It will be noted that in 15,17, 19, 21,

each of the Figs. 11, 13, 23. 25, 27, 29 and 31, the phase an gle is shown advanced approximately 30 relative to the phase angle shown in the previous view: accordingly. the advance of the phase angle 30 the phase angle 1 of the frequency of the beyond that shown in Fig. 31 would coincide with the phase angle shown in Fig. 9, so that these views and the corresponding views of the commutator members M, Ma, lib, illustrate one complete cycle.

In the foregoing described construction, each segment on the commutator H is disposed approximately 30 rearwardly of one of the segments on the commutator llb and each segment on the commutator lla has the same relation to a segment on the commutator H and each segment on the commutator lib has the same relation to a segment on the commutator No. In rectifying a single phase alternaitng current, the same form of construction would be employed, except that only two commutators would be required and each segment on each thereof would be disposed rearward of a segment on the other commutator.

It is also to be noted that notwithstanding the reversal of direction of current in the leads '5, i, it, that two thereof are always connected to one side of the direct current circuit and the remaining lead is always connected to the other side of said circuit, except when the phase angle of each lead is at zero. While I have indicated the main 26 to be negative and main 26a to be positive. their polarity may be reversed.

From the foregoing description it will be noted f a) that I provide sets of contacts between each alternating current main and the direct current mains, one set consisting of segments connected to the alternating current main, and separate sets (each consisting of brushes), with which the segments alternately engage, connected to the direct current mains. respectively, the alternate engagement of the segments with the said separate sets of contacts being synchronized with the reversal of current flow or polarity in the alternating current main (1) to connect it to that direct current main having the same polarity and (2) to disconnect the alternating current main from both direct current mains when the phase angle is zero in the alternating current main and (b) that the sets of contacts connected to the alternating current mains are co-operatively related so that in each complete cycle (irrespective supplied current) successive positive phases thereof are connected to the direct current positive main and the successive negative phases thereof are connected to the direct current negative main, to produce in the latter mains an unbroken direct current circuit.

It will further be noted that my apparatus is relatively simple and may be built to operate under any predetermined conditions, independently of the voltage impressed on the leads 6. l, t. The apparatus has many advantages since direct current is employed in many instances where only alternating current is available.

2? indicates as an entirety an attachment for the apparatus by means of which the resultant direct current is converted into alternating current, such operation being eflected by mechanical means. By means of the apparatus already described and the attachment ill, 1' am able to provide an alternating current having a different frequency (higher or lower), as compared to that of the current supplied by the leads 6, ll, by a simple form of mechanism. In the arrangement shown (see Figs. 1, 2, 32 to 37, inclusive) the attachment 27 operates to provide a high frequency alternating current. Accordlngly, by means of a switch 28 in the direct. current mains it, 25a. the direct current may main a.

be suppliedtoleads 28', 28a" which are connected to the attachment 21 or supplied to leads 231:, 28s, which may be connected to any suitable apparatus.

As shown, the shaft 3 is extended through the tubular members 2' of the standards 2d, 2e (Figs. 1, 2 and 32), for support therein and has secured to it two collector members 29, 29a, the

former being arranged between the standards although like parts associated with the member 290: will be designated by the same reference characters. The collector member29 consists of a ring 30 integrally connected to a plurality of segments 30a (preferably six segments as shown in Fig. 33), which'are separated by sections of suitable insulation material 3|, the ring 30, segments 30a and sections 3| being suitably secured to a sleeve 32 formed of suitable insulation material and keyed to the shaft 3 and preferablyof a length to abut the opposed ends of the adjacent tubular members 2'. The sleeve 32 is externally threaded adjacent its opposite ends to take ring nuts 32a which are tightened against the outer side wall of the ring 30 and free ends of the segments 30a. and sections 3|; whereas the inner ends of the sections 3| are secured to the sleeve 32 by screws 33, which are mounted in the cut-aways 33a. formed in the sections 3| to dispose their heads below or inwardly of the outer surfaces of the ring 30 and segments 30a. 34, 34, indicate series of brushes arranged to engage the segments 30a and sections 3| as the member 29 is driven by the shaft 3, one series being connected to one direct current main 26' and the other series of brushes being connected to the direct current The brushes of one series are staggered with reference to the brushes of the other series, but the brushes of each series (which correspond in number to the number of segments) are spaced so as alternately to engage all of the segments simultaneously and all of the insulation sections 3| simultaneously. A collar 35, which is seated on the tubular memher 2' for the standard 2d and fixed thereto by a set screw 35a, is provided with arms 36 terminating in hollow bosses 31 and the latter in turn support a pair of pins 38 which extend through and support an annulus 39. The pins 38 and additional pins 38' mounted in the annulus 39 (see Fig. 32) support the brushes 34, whereas separate pins 38" mounted in the annulus similarly to the pins 38' and disposed between the latter, support the brushes 34', whereby the brushes 34, 34', engage the segments 33a. A collar 40, which is seated on the the tubular member 2 for the standard 20 and fixed thereto by a set screw 40a, is provided with arms 4| terminating in hollow bosses 42 and the latter in turn support a pair of pins 43. The pins 43 support a pair of brushes 44 I which engage the ring 30.

Referring to Fig. 36 it will be noted that the collector members 29, 29a, are angularly related on the shaft 3 so that at the time the brushes 34 adjacent to collector member 28 are engagin: the segments 30a thereof, the brushes 34 adiacent to collector member 230 are encasing the insulation sections 3| thereof, whereas at the time the brushes 34' adjacent to collector member 29 are engaging the insulation sections 3| thereof, the brushes 34' adjacent to collector member 29a are engaging the segments 30a'thereof; accordingly in the position shown, current in the main 26' is flowing through the brushes 34, segments 30a of collector member 29, the adjacent ring 30 and brushes 44 to output lead 45 and current in out-put lead 45' is flowing therefrom through brushes 44, ring 3|) of collector member 29a, the adjacent segments 30a. and brushes 34 to direct current main 26a. Referring to Fig. 37, which shows the collector members 29, 29a, rotated to the succeeding position, the series of brushes 34, 34 adjacent each member are in engagement with the insulation sections 3| and segment 300., respectively; ac- I cordingly, the current in out-put main 45 is flowing in the reverse direction through brushes 44, ring 3|l'of collector member 29, brushes 34' to direct current lead 26' and current in direct current lead 260' is flowing therefrom through brushes 34, segments 30a of collector member 29a, ring 38 and brushes 44 to out-put main 45'. It will thus be seen that as the collector members 29, 29a, rotate, the direct current mains 26', 260. are alternately connected through the series of brushes 34, 34', and collector members 29, 29a, to the out-put mains 45, 45; that is, (a) when the brushes 34 related to collector member 29 are engaging its segments 30a, the brushes 34' related to collector member 29a are engaging its segments 30:; and (b) when the brushes 34' related collector member 29 are engaging its segments 30a, the brushes 34 of collector member 29a are engaging its segments 30a and (c) as all of the brushes 34 related to collector members 29, 29a, are connected to direct current main 25' and all of the brushes 34 related to collector members 29, 29a, are connected to direct current main 26a, it will be seen that as the shaft 3 rotates the direct current in mains 26', 26a, is converted into alternating current in the out-put mains 45, 45', the frequency of which depends upon the number of segments 30a provided in the collector members 29, 29a, and brushes for engagement therewith and the speed of rotation of the shaft 3.

It will be understood that the collector members 29, 29a may be mounted on a separate shaft driven independently of the shaft 3; also that the attachment 2'! may be utilized to convert direct current, which is supplied from any suitable source into alternate current of any d?- sired frequency. I

The machine as shown is designed for use where relatively low voltage is impressed on the alternating current mains, so that danger of arcing is reduced to a minimum or entirely eliminated. Where a high voltage is supplied, the diameters of the rotary members may be increased to insure a quick break between each brush and each segment. Also, capacitors or other equivalent apparatus may be employed to absorb the are, if found necessary.

To those skilled in the art to which my invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without dearting from the spirit and scope of the invention. My disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

What I claim is:

1. In apparatus oi the class described, the combination with a shaft, alternating current carrying mains and direct current carrying mains, of rotatable members fixed to said shaft, one for each alternating current carrying main and ach having'uniformly spaced axially extending seg ments and a circumferential ring electrically connected to said segments, a brush engaging each of said rings and electrically connected to one oi the alternating current carrying mains, two sets of brushes for engaging the segments of each rotatable member, the brushes of each set being connected to one of the direct current carrying mains and alternately related to the brushes or the other adjacent set and arranged to simultaneously engage said adjacent segments, and means for driving said shaft.

2. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a shaft, alternating current carrying supply mains and direct current carrying means and alternating current carrying output mains, of rotatable members fixed to said shaft, one for each alternating current carrying supply main and each having uniformly spaced axially extending segments and a circumferential ring electrically connected to said segments, a brush engaging each of said rings and electrically connected to one of the alternating current carry ing supply mains, two sets of brushes for engaging said segments of each rotatable member, the brushes of each set being connected to one of the direct current carrying mains and alternately related to the brushes of the other adjacent set and arranged to simultaneously engage said adjacent segments, separate rotatable members fixed to said shaft, one for each alternating current carrying out-put main and each having uniformly spaced segments and a ring electrically connected to said segments, a brush engaging 1,

each of said last mentioned rings and electrically connected to one of the alternating current car rying out-put mains, two sets of brushes for engaging said last mentioned segments of each of said separate rotatable members, the brushes of each set being connected to one of the direct current carrying mains and alternately related to the brushes of the other adjacent set and arranged to simultaneously engage said adjacent segments, and means for driving said shaft,

3. in apparatus for rectifying alternating current into direct current, the combination with a shaft, alternating current supply mains and tilrect current leads, of a plurality oi commutators fixed. to said shaft, one for each supply main and each consisting of a ring surrounding said shaft and having a pair of diametrically related seg ments and sections of insulation between said segments, a brush engaging each of said rings and connected to one of said supply mains, pairs of uniformly spaced brushes arranged to engage the segments of each commutator, the brushes of each pair being interposed between the brushes oi the other pair and connected to one of the ellrect current carrying leads, and means for rotating said shaft.

4, An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the shaft rotating means consists of a synchronous motor connected to said alternating current supply mains.

5. In apparatus for rectifying alternating current into direct current, the combination with a shaft, alternating current supply mains and direct current leads, of a plurality of commutators fixed to said shaft, one for each supply main and each consisting of a ring surrounding said shaft and having a pair of diametrically related segments and sections of insulation between said segments, a brush engaging each of said rings and connected to one of said supply mains, pairs of uniformly spaced brushes arranged to engage the segments of each commutator, the brushes of each pair being interposed between the brushes of the other pair and connected to one of the direct current carrying leads, each brush of each pair having the same angular relation to the axis of said shaft as one of. the brushes of the corresponding pair of brushes which engage the segments and insulation sections of each of the remaining commutators, the segments on each commutator being so related to the segments on the remaining commutators angularly of the axis of said shaft that each supply main is connected through one or more commutators with one of the direct current carrying leads except when the phase of said supply main is at zero phase angle, and means for driving said shaft.

6. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a support and a shaft mounted thereon, of a member consisting of a sleeve formed of insulation material fixed to said shaft, a ring surrounding said sleeve and having a plurality of uniformly spaced segments extending from said ring longitudinally of said shaft and sections of insulation between said segments, a brush mounted on said support and engaging said ring and adapted to be connected to a lead, sets of brushes mounted on said support and uniformly spaced around said shaft, the brushes of each set corresponding in number to the number of segments and arranged to simultaneously engage therewith and each brush of each set being interposed between two brushes of the other set and each adapted to be connected to another lead.

"I. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with a support, a shaft mounted thereon, direct current carrying supply mains and two out-put current carrying mains, of a pair of members each consisting of a sleeve formed of insulation material fixed to said shaft, a ring surrounding said shaft and having a plurality of uniformly spaced segments extending from said ring longitudinally of said shaft and sections of insulation between said segments, a brush mounted on said support and engaging each of said rings and connected to one of the out-put mains, sets of brushes mounted on said support and uniformly spaced around the segments of each said member, the brushes of each set corresponding in number" to the number of segments and arranged to simultaneously engage therewith and connected to one of the direct current carrying mains, each brush of each set being interposed between two brushes of the other adjacent set, and means for rotating said shaft.

8. In apparatus of the class described, the combination with alternating current carrying in-put mains, direct current carrying mains and alternating current carrying out-put mains, of means for connecting each of said alternating current in-put mains alternately to said direct current mains in co-ordinated relation to the reversal of current how in said alternating current main and disconnecting the alternating current mains from the direct current mains when the phase angle in the alternating current mains is zero, and separate means for alternately connecting each direct current main to said alternating current out-put mains.

HOWARD I. MORRIS. 

